SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING AN ELASTOMERIC BAND FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Abstract

The invention describes kits and methods for recreational activities involving the use of an elastomeric band.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application includes a claim of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/153,512, filed Feb. 25, 2021, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to devices used for physical activities and methods of using the devices. In particular, this invention relates to toys and methods of playing with toys.

BACKGROUND

All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

As people spend more time indoors, people seek new ways of spending time at home. Generally, people want to acquire exercise equipment or recreational devices such as video game consoles. Oftentimes, such equipment and devices take up too much space in a limited indoor area. Thus, there is a need for equipment that does not require a lot of space.

Children are often looking for new ways to entertain themselves. Parents can prefer children to engage in recreational activities, but prefer simple methods and systems that can be used indoors, as well as being easily transported and used outdoors. The present invention provides solutions for these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a kit for recreational activities. In various embodiments, the kit includes a length-adjustable bar and an elastomeric band. In some embodiments, the kit further includes instructions for assembling the bar and elastomeric band, and for using the elastomeric band for recreational activities.

According to some embodiments, the bar is adapted for attachment onto a door frame. According to some embodiments, the bar is a pull-up bar and/or a telescoping bar. According to some embodiments, the bar is about 20-about 25 inches in length in a contracted configuration. According to some embodiments, the bar is about 35-about 45 inches in length in an extended configuration.

According to some embodiments, the elastomeric band is a loop band. According to some embodiments, the bar includes a contact portion where the elastomeric band is looped around. According to some embodiments, the contact portion is wrapped around one portion of the bar and made of a material that is different from a material of the bar.

According to some embodiments, the contact portion functions as a handle grip such that the elastomeric band is looped around a central or substantially central portion of the contact portion and at least one of a left portion or a right portion of the contact portion with respect to the central portion is gripped by a hand or hands of a user.

According to some embodiments, the bar includes a first handle grip and a second handle grip positioned at different sides of the elastomeric band that is looped around a central or substantially central portion of the bar, the first and second handle grips being made of a material that is different from a material of the bar;

According to some embodiments, the first handle grip is wrapped around a first portion of the bar and the second handle grip is wrapped around a second portion of the bar; and the first portion of the bar and the second portion of the bar are spaced such that the elastomeric band is looped around the bar between the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

According to some embodiments, a distance between the first handle grip and the second handle grip is about 0.5″-about 2.5″.

According to some embodiments, the elastomeric band is adapted to support up to 200 pounds. According to some embodiments, the elastomeric band is adapted to support about 25-200 pounds. According to some embodiments, the elastomeric band is about 1.0-about 2.0 inches in width, about 0.2-about 0.3 inches in thickness, and about 80-about 90 inches in length.

The present disclosure provides methods of using an elastomeric band. In various embodiments, the method includes attaching an elastomeric band to a length-adjustable bar, or a horizontal or substantially horizontal structure; and using the elastomeric band for recreational activities. According to some embodiments, the method further includes attaching the bar to a door frame, or a vertical or substantially vertical structure. For example, the bar is a pull-up bar. For example, the horizontal structure is a tree branch, a monkey bar, pull-up bar, or a trapeze bar.

According to some embodiments, the elastomeric band is a loop band. According to some embodiments, the elastomeric band is adapted to support about 25 pounds-about 150 pounds, or both.

According to some embodiments, using the elastomeric band comprises stepping onto or sitting on the elastomeric band and swinging on the elastomeric band, stepping onto or sitting on the elastomeric band and doing twirls on the elastomeric band, wrapping the elastomeric band around one or both arms and doing flips, or hanging from a substantially horizontal structure and dropping one's body onto the elastomeric band such that the elastomeric band catches the person as a seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict kits set up on a door frame in accordance with various embodiments the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a child using the elastomeric band in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a child playing with the elastomeric band in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a child swinging on the elastomeric band in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully set forth. Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention is in no way limited to the methods and materials described. For purposes of the present invention, the following terms are defined below.

As used herein the term “about” when used in connection with a referenced numeric indication means the referenced numeric indication plus or minus up to 5% of that referenced numeric indication, unless otherwise specifically provided for herein. For example, the language “about 50%” covers the range of 45% to 55%. In various embodiments, the term “about” when used in connection with a referenced numeric indication can mean the referenced numeric indication plus or minus up to 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.25% of that referenced numeric indication, if specifically provided for in the claims.

As used herein the term “substantially” when used in connection with a horizontal structure means that the structure is parallel to the plane of the horizon plus or minus up to 25° from the horizon. In various embodiments, the term “substantially” when used in connection with a horizontal structure can mean that the structure is parallel to the plane of the horizon plus or minus up to 20°, 15°, 10°, 9°, 8°, 7°, 6°, 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, or 1° from the horizon, if specifically provided for in the claims.

“Horizontal or substantially horizontal structure” include structures wherein an elastomeric band can be attached (e.g., tied to, looped around, etc.) and hanging from the structure to allow a person to use the elastomeric band in accordance to embodiments of the present invention. Typically, the structure would be able to support the weight of the person using the elastomeric band.

As used herein the term “substantially” when used in connection with a vertical structure means that the structure is perpendicular to the plane of the horizon plus or minus up to 10° deviating from 90° from the horizon. In various embodiments, the term “substantially” when used in connection with a vertical structure can mean that the structure is perpendicular to the plane of the horizon plus or minus up to 9°, 8°, 7°, 6°, 5°, 4°, 3°, 2°, or 1° deviating from 90° from horizon, if specifically provided for in the claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-4, various embodiments of the present invention provide for a kit 100 for recreational activities, the kit including a bar 110 and an elastomeric band 120. In various embodiments, the kit further includes instructions for assembling the pull-up bar and elastomeric band, and for using the elastomeric band for recreational activities.

In various embodiments, the bar 110 is a pull-up bar. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is adapted for attachment onto a door frame. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is a telescoping bar and the length of the bar is adjustable. In various embodiments, the bar 110 has a cylindrical shape, but the shape is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the bar 110 has a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the bar 110 includes a door frame guard.

In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 15-about 30″ (inches) in length in a contracted configuration. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 15-about 20″, about 20-about 25″, or about 25-about 30″ in length in the contracted configuration. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 15″, about 16″, about 17″, about 18″, about 19″, about 20″, about 21″, about 22″, about 23″, about 24″, about 25″, about 26″, about 27″, about 28″, about 29″, or about 30″ in length in the contracted configuration.

In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 30-about 45″ in length in an extended configuration. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 30-about 35″, about 35-about 40″, about 40-about 45″, or about 35-about 45″ in length in the extended configuration. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 35″, about 36″, about 37″, about 38″, about 39″, about 40″, about 41″, about 42″, about 43″, about 44″, or about 45″ in length in the extended configuration.

In various embodiments, the diameter of the bar 110 is about 2-about 6″. In various embodiment, the diameter of the bar 110 is about 2.0-about 2.5″, about 2.5-about 3.0″, about 3.0-about 3.5″, about 3.5-about 4.0″, about 4.0-about 4.5″, about 4.5-about 5.0″, about 5.0-about 5.5″, or about 5.5-6.0″. In various embodiments, the diameter of the bar 110 is about 3.0″, about 3.2″, about 3.4″, about 3.6″, about 3.9″, about 4.0″, about 4.2″, about 4.4″, about 4.6″, about 4.8″, or about 5.0″.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is a loop band. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 25-about 200 pounds. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 25-about 50, about 50-about 75, about 75-about 100, about 100-about 125, about 125-about 150, about 150-about 175 or about 175-about 200 pounds. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 25-about 75, about 75-about 125, or about 125-about 175 pounds. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 50-about 125, about 100-about 200, or about 125-about 200 pounds.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.5″, about 0.75″, about 1″, about 1.25″, about 1.5″, about 1.75″, about 2.0″, about 2.25″, about 2.5″, about 2.75″, about 3″, about 3.25″, about 3.5″, about 3.75″, about 4″, about 4.5″, about 5″, about 5.5″, or about 6″ in width. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.5-about 1.0″, about 1.0-about 2.0″, about 2.0-about 3.0″, about 3.0-about 4.0″, about 4.0-about 5.0″, or about 5.0-about 6.0″ in width.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.125″, about 0.25″, about 0.375″, about 0.5″, about 0.625″, or about 0.75″ in thickness. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.1-about 0.2″, about 0.2-about 0.3″, about 0.3-about 0.4″, about 0.4-about 0.5″, about 0.5-about 0.6″, about 0.6-about 0.7″ or about 0.7-about 0.8″ in thickness. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 3.0, about 3.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, or about 6.0 mm in thickness.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 30-about 90 inches in length. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 30-about 40″, about 40-about 50″, about 50-about 60″, about 60-about 70″, about 70-about 80″, or about 80-about 90″ in length. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 30″, about 31″, about 32″, about 33″, about 34″, about 35″, about 36″, about 37″, about 38″, about 39″, about 40″, about 41″, about 42″, about 43″, about 44″, about 45″, about 46″, about 47″, or about 48″ in length. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 70″, about 71″, about 72″, about 73″, about 74″, about 75″, about 76″, about 77″, about 78″, about 79″, about 80″, about 81″, about 82″, about 83″, about 84″, about 85″, about 86″, about 87″, or about 88″ in length. For loop bands, these measurements are for the circumference of the band.

The bar 110 can be made of any material that provides sufficient strength for holding at least 200-pound weight; for example, metal and plastic. In various embodiments, the bar 110 has a contact portion 115 where the elastomeric band is looped around. In various embodiments, the contact portion is made of a material that is different from the material of the bar 110. For example, the contact portion 115 of the bar 110 can be made of foam such as polyethylene foam and/or rubber. The contact portion 115 is wrapped around one portion of the bar 110. In various embodiments, the contact portion 115 is formed as a single piece and positioned centrally or substantially centrally on the bar 110, as exemplified in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the contact portion 115 functions as a handle grip such that the elastomeric band 120 is looped around a central or substantially central portion of the contact portion and at least one of a left portion or a right portion of the contact portion with respect to the central portion is gripped by a hand or hands of a user.

In some embodiments, the bar includes a contact portion 115, a first handle grip 115-1, and a second handle grip 115-2 positioned at different sides of the elastomeric band 120 that is looped around the contact portion 115 located at a central or substantially central portion of the bar. In some embodiments, the contact portion 115 positioned between the first and second handle grips 115-1, 115-2 is a bare surface of the bar 110. In some embodiments, the contact portion 115 positioned between the first and second handle grips 115-1, 115-2 is made of a material that is different from the material of the bar 110. In some embodiments, the first and second handle grips 115-1, 115-2 are made of a material that is different from a material of the bar 110. In some embodiments, the contact portion 115 and the first and second handle grips 115-1, 115-2 are made of the same material. In some embodiments, the contact portion 115 and the first and second handle grips 115-1, 115-2 are made of different materials.

In some embodiments, the material used for the contact portion 115 has properties allowing smooth contact between the elastomeric band 120 and the bar 110, thus preventing excessive wear and tear of the elastomeric band. In some embodiments, the material used for the contact portion 115 is rubber, a rubber compound, silicone rubber, neoprene, or foam.

Referring to FIG. 1A, in various embodiments, the contact portion 115 of the bar 110 formed as a single piece is about 3-about 10″ in length. In various embodiments, the contact portion 115 is about 3.0-about 3.5″, about 3.5-about 4.0″, about 4.0-about 4.5″, about 4.5-about 5.0″, about 5.0-about 5.5″, about 5.5-about 6.0″, about 6.0-about 6.5″, about 6.5-about 7.0″, about 7.0-about 7.5″, about 7.5-about 8.0″, about 8.0-about 8.5″, about 8.5-about 9.0″, about 9.0-about 9.5″, or about 9.5-about 10.0″ in length. In various embodiments, the contact portion 115 is about 3″, about 4″, about 5″, about 6″, about 7″, about 8″, about 9″, or about 10″ in length.

Referring to FIG. 1B, in various embodiments, the first handle grip 115-1 and the second handle grip 115-2 are spaced and configured to be held by a hand. In various embodiments, the distance between the first handle grip 115-1 and the second handle grip 115-2 is about 0.5-about 2.5″. In various embodiments, the distance is about 0.5-about 1.0″, about 1.0-about 1.5″, about 1.5-about 2.0″, or about 2.0-about 2.5″. In various embodiments, the distance is about 0.5″, about 1″, about 1.5″, about 2″, or about 2.5″.

In various embodiments, each of the first handle grip 115-1 and the second handle grip 115-2 is about 1-4″ in length. In various embodiments, each handle grip 115-1, 115-2 is about 1.0-about 1.5″, about 1.5-about 2.0″, about 2.0-about 2.5″, about 2.5-about 3.0″, about 3.0-about 3.5″, or about 3.5-about 4.0″ in length. In various embodiments, each handle grip 115-1, 115-2 is about 1″, about 1.5″, about 2″, about 2.5″, about 3″, about 3.5″, or about 4″ in length.

The elastomeric band 120 can be made of any material that provides its elasticity; for example, rubber, latex, thermoplastic elastomer, and elastic fabric. Additional examples include but are not limited to rubber, latex, natural polyisoprene, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber polychloroprene, neoprene, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubbers, EPM (ethylene propylene rubber, a copolymer of ethylene and propylene) and EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene rubber, a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene-component), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), polyacrylic rubber (ACM, ABR), silicone rubber (SI, Q, VMQ), fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ), perfluoroelastomers, polyether block amides (PEBA), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polysulfide rubber, and elastolefin.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 can have prints and designs that can be appealing for children. Examples include, but are not limited to, DISNEY characters, MARVEL characters, DC characters, HARRY POTTER characters, PEANUTS characters, NICKELODEON characters, MUPPETS characters, WARNER BROS ANIMATION characters, SCOOBY-DOO characters, FLINTSTONES characters, JETSONS characters, mystical creatures (e.g., fairies, dragons, unicorns, mermaids), puppies, kittens, race cars, sea animals, zoo animals, farm animals, space vehicles, and aliens.

Instructions include but are not limited to attaching the pull-up bar to a door frame, looping the elastomeric band 120 around the bar 110 and pull it through itself, or tying each end of the elastomeric band around the bar. Instructions can also include, but are not limited to tying the elastomeric band 120 to a pre-existing bar, including but not limited to a trapeze bar, pull up bar, monkey bar, a free-standing bar capable of supporting the weight of a person, particularly a child.

Various embodiments provide for a method of using an elastomeric band, comprising: attaching a bar to a door frame; attaching an elastomeric band to the bar; and using the elastomeric band for recreational activities.

In various embodiments, the bar is a pull-up bar. In various embodiments, the bar is adapted for attachment onto a door frame.

In various embodiments, attaching an elastomeric band to the bar comprises looping the elastomeric band around the bar and pulling the elastomeric band through itself, or tying each end of the elastomeric band around the bar.

Various embodiments provide for a method of using an elastomeric band, comprising: using the elastomeric band 120 for recreational activities.

In various embodiments, the method comprises attaching an elastomeric band 120 to a horizontal or substantially horizontal structure before using the elastomeric band. In various embodiments, the horizontal structure is a tree branch, a monkey bar, pull-up bar, or trapeze bar. As such, methods of using the elastomeric band 120 for recreational activities can be done for example, at a park, yard, or playground. In various embodiments, attaching an elastomeric band 120 to the horizontal or substantially horizontal structure comprises looping the elastomeric band around the structure and pulling the elastomeric band through itself, or tying each end of the elastomeric band around the structure.

In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 15-about 30″ (inches) in length in a contracted configuration. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 15-about 20″, about 20-about 25″, or about 25-about 30″ in length in the contracted configuration. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 15″, about 16″, about 17″, about 18″, about 19″, about 20″, about 21″, about 22″, about 23″, about 24″, about 25″, about 26″, about 27″, about 28″, about 29″, or about 30″ in length in the contracted configuration.

In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 30-about 45″ in length in an extended configuration. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 30-about 35″, about 35-about 40″, about 40-about 45″, or about 35-about 45″ in length in the extended configuration. In various embodiments, the bar 110 is about 35″, about 36″, about 37″, about 38″, about 39″, about 40″, about 41″, about 42″, about 43″, about 44″, or about 45″ in length in the extended configuration.

In various embodiments, the diameter of the bar 110 is about 2-about 6″. In various embodiments, the diameter of the bar 110 is about 2.0-about 2.5″, about 2.5-about 3.0″, about 3.0-about 3.5″, about 3.5-about 4.0″, about 4.0-about 4.5″, about 4.5-about 5.0″, about 5.0-about 5.5″, or about 5.5-6.0″. In various embodiments, the diameter of the bar 110 is about 3.0″, about 3.2″, about 3.4″, about 3.6″, about 3.9″, about 4.0″, about 4.2″, about 4.4″, about 4.6″, about 4.8″, or about 5.0″.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is a loop band. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 25-about 200 pounds. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 25-about 50, about 50-about 75, about 75-about 100, about 100-about 125, about 125-about 150, about 150-about 175 or about 175-about 200 pounds. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 25-about 75, about 75-about 125, or about 125-about 175 pounds. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is adapted to support about 50-about 125, about 100-about 200, or about 125-about 200 pounds.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.5″, about 0.75″, about 1″, about 1.25″, about 1.5″, about 1.75″, about 2.0″, about 2.25″, about 2.5″, about 2.75″, about 3″, about 3.25″, about 3.5″, about 3.75″, about 4″, about 4.5″, about 5″, about 5.5″, or about 6″ in width. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.5-about 1.0″, about 1.0-about 2.0″, about 2.0-about 3.0″, about 3.0-about 4.0″, about 4.0-about 5.0″, or about 5.0-about 6.0″ in width.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.125″, about 0.25″, about 0.375″, about 0.5″, about 0.625″, or about 0.75″ in thickness. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 0.1-about 0.2″, about 0.2-about 0.3″, about 0.3-about 0.4″, about 0.4-about 0.5″, about 0.5-about 0.6″, about 0.6-about 0.7″ or about 0.7-about 0.8″ in thickness. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 3.0 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, or 6.0 mm in thickness.

In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 30-about 90 inches in length. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 30-about 40″, about 40-about 50″, about 50-about 60″, about 60-about 70″, about 70-about 80″, or about 80-about 90″ in length. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 30″, about 31″, about 32″, about 33″, about 34″, about 35″, about 36″, about 37″, about 38″, about 39″, about 40″, about 41″, about 42″, about 43″, about 44″, about 45″, about 46″, about 47″, or about 48″ in length. In various embodiments, the elastomeric band 120 is about 70″, about 71″, about 72″, about 73″, about 74″, about 75″, about 76″, about 77″, about 78″, about 79″, about 80″, about 81″, about 82″, about 83″, about 84″, about 85″, about 86″, about 87″, or about 88″ in length. For loop bands, these measurements are for the circumference of the band.

The elastomeric band 120 can be made of any material that provides its elasticity; for example, rubber, latex, thermoplastic elastomer, and elastic fabric. Additional examples include but are not limited to rubber, latex, natural polyisoprene, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber polychloroprene, neoprene, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubbers, EPM (ethylene propylene rubber, a copolymer of ethylene and propylene) and EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene rubber, a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and a diene-component), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), polyacrylic rubber (ACM, ABR), silicone rubber (SI, Q, VMQ), fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ), perfluoroelastomers, polyether block amides (PEBA), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polysulfide rubber, and elastolefin.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, in various embodiments, using the elastomeric band 120 comprises stepping onto or sitting on the elastomeric band and swinging on the elastomeric band, stepping onto or sitting on the elastomeric band and doing twirls on the elastomeric band, wrapping the elastomeric band around one or both arms and doing flips, or hanging from a bar (or substantially horizontal structure) and dropping the body onto the elastomeric band such that the elastomeric band catches the person as a seat.

The bar 110 can be made of any material that provides sufficient strength for holding at least 200-pound weight; for example, metal and plastic. In various embodiments, the bar 110 has a contact portion 115 where the elastomeric band is looped around. In various embodiments, the contact portion 115 is made of a material that is different from the material of the bar 110. For example, the contact portion 115 can be made of foam such as polyethylene foam and/or rubber. The contact portion 115 is wrapped around one portion of the bar. In various embodiments, the contact portion 115 is formed as a single piece and positioned centrally on the bar. In various embodiments, the contact portion 115 has properties allowing smooth contact between the elastomeric band 120 and the bar 110, thus preventing excessive wear and tear of the elastomeric band.

In various embodiments, the contact portion 115 of the bar 110 formed as a single piece is about 3-about 10″ in length. In various embodiments, the contact portion 115 is about 3.0-about 3.5″, about 3.5-about 4.0″, about 4.0-about 4.5″, about 4.5-about 5.0″, about 5.0-about 5.5″, about 5.5-about 6.0″, about 6.0-about 6.5″, about 6.5-about 7.0″, about 7.0-about 7.5″, about 7.5-about 8.0″, about 8.0-about 8.5″, about 8.5-about 9.0″, about 9.0-about 9.5″, or about 9.5-about 10.0″ in length. In various embodiment, the contact portion 115 is about 3″, about 4″, about 5″, about 6″, about 7″, about 8″, about 9″, or about 10″ in length.

In various embodiments, when the contact portion 115 of the bar 110 is formed as two pieces, a first contact portion 115-1 contacts a first portion of the elastomeric band 120 in its entire width and a second contact portion 115-2 contacts a second portion of the elastomeric band in its entire width, an open space or gap being formed between the first portion and the second portion of the elastomeric band. In various embodiments, the distance between the first contact portion 115-1 and the second contact portion 115-2 is about 0.5-about 2.5″. In various embodiment, the distance is about 0.5-about 1.0″, about 1.0-about 1.5″, about 1.5-about 2.0″, or about 2.0-about 2.5″. In various embodiments, the distance is about 0.5″, about 1″, about 1.5″, about 2″, or about 2.5″.

In various embodiments, each of the two pieces 115-1, 115-2 of the contact portion 115 of the bar 110 is about 1-4″ in length. In various embodiments, each contact portion 115-1, 115-2 is about 1.0-about 1.5″, about 1.5-about 2.0″, about 2.0-about 2.5″, about 2.5-about 3.0″, about 3.0-about 3.5″, or about 3.5-about 4.0″ in length. In various embodiments, each contact portion 115-1, 115-2 is about 1″, about 1.5″, about 2″, about 2.5″, about 3″, about 3.5″, or about 4″ in length.

Various embodiments of the invention are described above in the Detailed Description. While these descriptions directly describe the above embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventors that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s).

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention known to the applicant at this time of filing the application has been presented and is intended for the purposes of illustration and description. The present description is not intended to be exhaustive nor limit the invention to the precise form disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teachings. The embodiments described serve to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out the invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.).

As used herein the term “comprising” or “comprises” is used in reference to compositions, methods, and respective component(s) thereof, that are useful to an embodiment, yet open to the inclusion of unspecified elements, whether useful or not. Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim the invention, the present invention, or embodiments thereof, may alternatively be described using alternative terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.”

Claims

1. A kit for recreational activities, comprising:

a length-adjustable bar; and

an elastomeric band.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the bar is adapted for attachment onto a door frame and the kit further includes instructions for assembling the bar and elastomeric band, and for using the elastomeric band for recreational activities.

3. The kit of claim 1, wherein the bar is a pull-up bar and/or a telescoping bar.

4. The kit of claim 3, wherein the bar is about 20-about 25 inches in length in a contracted configuration.

5. The kit of claim 4, wherein the bar is about 35-about 45 inches in length in an extended configuration.

6. The kit of claim 3, wherein the elastomeric band is a loop band.

7. The kit of claim 6, wherein the bar comprises a contact portion where the elastomeric band is looped around.

8. The kit of claim 7, wherein the contact portion is wrapped around one portion of the bar and made of a material that is different from a material of the bar.

9. The kit of claim 6, wherein the contact portion functions as a handle grip such that the elastomeric band is looped around a central or substantially central portion of the contact portion and at least one of a left portion or a right portion of the contact portion with respect to the central portion is gripped by a hand or hands of a user.

10. The kit of claim 1, wherein the bar comprises a first handle grip and a second handle grip positioned at different sides of the elastomeric band that is looped around a central or substantially central portion of the bar, the first and second handle grips being made of a material that is different from a material of the bar;

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein:

the first handle grip is wrapped around a first portion of the bar and the second handle grip is wrapped around a second portion of the bar; and

the first portion of the bar and the second portion of the bar are spaced such that the elastomeric band is looped around the bar between the first contact portion and the second contact portion.

12. The kit of claim 10, wherein a distance between the first contact portion and the second contact portion is about 0.5-about 2.5″.

13. The kit of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric band is adapted to support about 25-200 pounds.

14. The kit of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric band is about 1.0-about 2.0 inches in width, about 0.2-about 0.3 inches in thickness, and about 80-about 90 inches in length.

15. A method of using an elastomeric band, comprising:

attaching an elastomeric band to a length-adjustable bar, or a horizontal or substantially horizontal structure; and

using the elastomeric band for recreational activities.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising attaching the bar to a door frame, or a vertical or substantially vertical structure.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the bar is a pull-up bar.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the horizontal structure is a tree branch, a monkey bar, pull-up bar, or a trapeze bar.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the elastomeric band is a loop band, or wherein the elastomeric band is adapted to support about 25-about 150 pounds, or both.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein using the elastomeric band comprises stepping onto or sitting on the elastomeric band and swinging on the elastomeric band, stepping onto or sitting on the elastomeric band and doing twirls on the elastomeric band, wrapping the elastomeric band around one or both arms and doing flips, or hanging from a substantially horizontal structure and dropping one's body onto the elastomeric band such that the elastomeric band catches the person as a seat.